Connecting the interstellar magnetic field at the heliosphere to the Loop I superbubble

P. C. Frisch, A. Berdyugin, H. O. Funsten, A. M. Magalhaes, D. J. McComas, V. Piirola, N. A. Schwadron, D. B. Seriacopi, S. J. Wiktorowicz

Published 2014-09-18Version 1

The local interstellar magnetic field affects both the heliosphere and the surrounding cluster of interstellar clouds (CLIC). Measurements of linearly polarized starlight provide the only test of the magnetic field threading the CLIC. Polarization measurements of the CLIC magnetic field show multiple local magnetic structures, one of which is aligned with the magnetic field traced by the center of the "ribbon" of energetic neutral atoms discovered by the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). Comparisons between the bulk motion of the CLIC through the local standard of rest, the magnetic field direction, the geometric center of Loop I, and the polarized dust bridge extending from the heliosphere toward the North Polar Spur direction all suggest that the CLIC is part of the rim region of the Loop I superbubble.